A few subtle tweaks will make this exercise much more effective at targeting the lats. But first...
What NOT To Do:
Here the elbows are tracking back, putting an anterior shearing force on the shoulder. This also works more biceps, upper back, and posterior shoulders instead of the lats.
What To Do:
You want your elbows tracking down and back – similar to a row – alleviating shearing force on the front of the shoulder while maximizing lat engagement. If you compare the two, it's obvious that this second movement bypasses the upper back and places way more tension on the lats.
Bonus: Add some handles for a more natural movement.
>As a collegiate S & C coach, I've noticed that an emphasis is being placed on strength and conditioning as a tool to enhance athletic performance. For example, in the last few years a majority of schools in the Mountain West Conference, including the Air Force Academy, have built new strength and conditioning facilities.
This new Q & A column is about building a muscular and aesthetic physique. It's not about breaking strength records or reaching speed and power personal bests.